Doug Cockle, the Voice Behind Geralt of Rivia, Delves into Future Witcher Projects, Netflix, AI and Beyond

In an exclusive interview with IGN, Doug Cockle, the enduring voice behind Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher franchise for nearly two decades, delved into his involvement with the upcoming Netflix film, "Sirens of the Deep," where he'll reprise his iconic role outside the gaming realm. Cockle also shared his thoughts on The Witcher Remake, the evolution of artificial intelligence in video games, and more.

Reflecting on his journey from The Witcher's early days when it was relatively unknown outside of Poland to its current global recognition, Cockle expressed gratitude for the experience and the franchise's expansion. He discussed how his awareness of The Witcher's widespread acclaim was a gradual realization, citing interactions with journalists and fans that brought its growing popularity to his attention.

Regarding his participation in "Sirens of the Deep," Cockle revealed his unexpected invitation to voice Geralt for the Netflix anime and hinted at its adaptation of the story "A Little Sacrifice." He touched on the differences in recording between the film and the games, notably the linear narrative structure of the movie compared to the branching nature of the games' dialogue.

On the subject of future Witcher projects like The Witcher Remake, codenamed Polaris, and potential storylines involving characters like Ciri, Cockle expressed excitement and shared speculative insights. He anticipated the technological advancements that could enhance the remake's visual experience and pondered potential narrative directions for the series beyond Geralt's story.

Shifting gears, Cockle discussed the escalating presence of artificial intelligence in voice acting and the associated concerns. He emphasized the ethical challenges posed by AI-generated voices mimicking actors' performances without their consent, highlighting the potential misuse of such technology for malicious purposes like spreading false information.

Cockle commended voice actor Cissy Jones's initiative to establish AI protection mechanisms for fellow actors, aiming to empower them to control how their voices are used. He stressed the importance of safeguarding voice actors' rights and preventing unauthorized use of their voices in various mediums, acknowledging the ongoing debate within the industry regarding the ethical boundaries of AI application.

Wrapping up the interview on a lighter note, Cockle reminisced about memorable Geralt lines and humorous moments in The Witcher, highlighting both the serious and comedic aspects of the character's dialogue that have resonated with fans over the years.